Tag: Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency

For a typical 30-day supply, the total retail price for pancreatic enzymes can range from over $2,000 to nearly $5,000, and without insurance, a popular brand like Creon can cost over $900 per month. Understanding **how much do pancreatic enzymes cost** is a critical step for patients with conditions like cystic fibrosis or chronic pancreatitis who rely on this medication for nutrient absorption.

Approximately 87% of cystic fibrosis patients require pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT) to help digest their food. This treatment involves taking supplements, so what are the other names for pancreatic enzymes? The most common generic and pharmacological names are pancreatin and pancrelipase, which are also available under several prescription brand names.

According to a July 2025 update from the Cystic Fibrosis Trust, supply issues for Creon® and other pancreatic enzyme replacement therapies (PERT) can unfortunately occur, causing significant stress for patients. If you find yourself in a situation where you can't get Creon, knowing the proper steps to take is crucial for managing your condition and avoiding the serious health risks associated with untreated pancreatic insufficiency.

Approximately 1.2 million people in the US were prescribed Zenpep in 2020, but not everyone responds well or finds it affordable. Fortunately, there are several effective prescription and non-prescription options if you need an alternative to Zenpep.

ZENPEP (pancrelipase) is a prescription medicine used to help people with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) digest their food normally. However, due to its composition, a key concern for patients with pre-existing health issues is: Is ZENPEP bad for kidneys?

Approximately 80% to 90% of people with cystic fibrosis require pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT) to aid digestion, and ZENPEP is just one of several FDA-approved options. For various reasons, patients may need to find out what can I take instead of ZENPEP, and several prescription and over-the-counter alternatives are available to consider.

Zenpep (pancrelipase) is an FDA-approved prescription medication used to help people with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency digest food properly. However, taking Zenpep requires strict adherence to specific precautions to maximize its therapeutic benefits and minimize potential health risks.

Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI), a condition where the pancreas doesn't produce enough digestive enzymes, affects 80-90% of individuals with cystic fibrosis [1.8.5]. For these patients, a key question is: **how much is Zenpep without insurance?** This medication is crucial but can be costly.

ZENPEP, a prescription medication containing the active ingredient pancrelipase, is classified as a pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT) belonging to the digestive enzymes drug class. This medication is crucial for individuals whose bodies do not produce sufficient enzymes to properly digest food, such as those with conditions like cystic fibrosis or chronic pancreatitis.

Approximately 80% of adults with chronic pancreatitis will develop Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI), a condition that necessitates pancreatic enzyme supplementation. This guide will explain **how do you know if you need to take pancreatic enzymes** by outlining the key symptoms, risk factors, and diagnostic steps your doctor will take.